The Spanish Progressive Rock Encyclopedia

The opinions and feelings are from a number
of afficionados to this genre, so the descriptions and opinions
contained in the entries do not necessarely match mine.
Any correction or addendum is welcome. Send them to me
via e-mail to inestadlsi.ua.es
and the entry will be updated. Thanks for your collaboration!

From:

Musicians:(original line-up and changes between
parenthesis)

Discography:

Escenes
(1977)

Web page:

not available

Opinions and other informations:

Gotic is a very good symphonic band that remind me of Camel, yet
have a lighter maybe more fusiony sound than them. Lots of flute,
lots of cool melodies, and a great deal of Spanish culture are evident.
(?)

This band melds the folk spirit of early PFM, the progressive classicism
of Camel's Snow Goose period, and a healthy dose of light
fusion into one of the best instrumental albums Spain has ever
produced. The basic lineup is piano, flute, bass and drums, with
guests on acoustic guitars, synthesizer, and percussion. Fans of the aforementioned will not be disappointed. (?)

Gotic's Escenes is a stunning album and one that is highly
recommended. A quartet (with guests on a song or two), the main
draw is the beautiful flute work, the fluid analog keyboards (moog,
mellotron and piano really shine forth) and tasteful (though occasional)
electric guitar solos. In particular, some of the flute/keyboard
passages are simply inspiring. There is also violin heard now and
again. Escenes is a is very lush symphonic, finely woven in detail.
Though not sounding very similar, I am remind of Celeste's excellent
Principe Di Un Giorno because of the pastoral nature of both these
albums. Perhaps it is because of the shared heritage but
some of the keyboard work reminds me very much of Chick Corea
circa Return to Forever (electric formation but quieter passages) so
there is a bit of a fusionesque air, as well. In other words, while I am
reminded of Corea blended with the '70s symphonic Italian scene, as a
whole Gotic sound like no one else. Again: very highly recommended!
(?)

Escenes is a good example of Camel-like melodic instrumental
prog. Very much like The Snow Goose, but periodically slow, still some
very fine moments overall. Flutes and keyboards dominate the mix,
there are guitars on three or four tracks only. "La Revolucio" uses
piccolo and marching snare to create a sort of American Revolutionary
feel. It and the beautiful ten-minute "Historia de una Gota d'Aigua" are
the best songs. (Mike Ohman)